Genesee Community College
Statistics (MAT129-L66) Syllabus
Fall 2020

Instructor Information

Name:
Ken Mead
Email:
kjmead@genesee.edu
Office location:
D395 Math Science Area, Building D, Main Campus
Office hours:
Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00am - 10:45, and Wednesday 11:00am - 12:30pm, via Zoom
Phone:
585-343-0055 x 6381
Bio:

Course Information

Course title:
Statistics
Course number:
MAT 129 - L66
Credit Hours:
3
Catalog description:
Studies descriptive data with graphical and numerical techniques, binomial and normal probability distributions, estimation and sampling, hypothesis testing, and linear regression models. Emphasis is on practical applications, including using MINITAB software. Prerequisite: MAT 092 or higher or by placement
Prerequisite:
MAT092
Course Learning Outcomes:
Upon the successful completion of this course, a student will be able to:
  1. Generate a graphical display for a set of data (frequency distribution, histogram, dot plot, stem and left, boxplot)
  2. Compute the basic measures of central tendency for a data set (mean, median, mode).
  3. Compute the basic measures of dispersion for a data set (range, variance, standard deviation).
  4. Apply Empirical Rule or Chebyshev's Theorem to describe the distribution of data and identify the existence of any outliers.
  5. Compute simple theoretical or empirical probabilities, applying the Addition, Multiplication, or Complement Rule as needed.
  6. Find probabilities from a discrete probability distribution (including the binomial distribution).
  7. Use the standard normal distribution table to find probabilities or cut-off values for non-standard normal distributions.
  8. Find probabilities associated with the sample mean by applying the Central Limit Theorem.
  9. Identify a confidence interval estimate for a population mean or population proportion.
  10. Conduct a test of hypothesis for a population mean or population proportion.
  11. Find the line of best fit and correlation coefficient for a set of bivariate data.
Course Overview:

To be successful in this course, you need to have had a good deal of exposure to introductory algebra. You will be required to take one test approximately every four weeks, and there are no makeups. Upon taking the final examination, the lower score of test1 or test3 will be replaced by the final exam score . Each test will contain anywhere from 10-40 questions, some of which will be multiple choice or short answer. You should be able to complete these tests in anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes.

Tests will be taken online using the MyStatLab software on your computer. These tests will be timed and capped at around 90 minutes. The second test will be PROCTORED! More information later in this document.

There will be an OPTIONAL final examination. You should plan on spending a minimum of one to two hours completing this comprehensive exam. More details will be provided later on in the semester.

Textbooks and Materials

Required materials:
The only required purchase is the MyStatLab access code. MyStatLab contains an embedded e-textbook, so there's no need to purchase a hard-copy of the text unless you wish.
Choose either of these options, NOT both:
  • ELEMENTARY STATISTICS MYSTATLAB (MyStatLab with embedded eBook - no paper copy) ISBN: 9780134783628, Publisher: Pearson.     --or--
  • ELEMENTARY STATISTICS (LL)-W/MYSTATLAB (Elementary Statistics - Picturing the World, by Larson and Farber, 7th Edition, Pearson Publishing, and MyStatLab access code) ISBN 9780134685205.
Optional materials:
I recommend this calculator, but you may use any suitable calculator. It's about $20 in the bookstore and $11 on Amazon.
  • TI 30XIIS Scientific Calculator

Grading Criteria

Grading Policies:

Final grades are assigned according to the following scheme, with the final average rounded to the nearest integer (in %):

92 or higher = A, 90-91 = A-, 88-89 = B+, 82-87 = B, 80-81 = B-, 78-79 = C+, 72-77 = C, 70-71 = C-, 68-69 = D+, 62-67 = D, 60-61 = D-, 59 or less = F.

Grades will be weighted as follows:

  • Test # 1 and # 3: higher score: 25%, lower score: 15%
  • Test # 2 (proctored): 25%
  • Online Homework: 20%
  • Minitab Assignments: 15%
  • Final Exam - optional - 15%. Replaces lower score for test 1 or 3.

There will be a total of 3 tests during this semester. You must take the tests on or before the due date! Test # 2 will be proctored by your instructor or via some other means.

As a favor to my students, I will allow each of you to have a total of 3 "late passes" to use during the semester, One late pass = One day late. If you wish, you may use multiple passes on a single test. However, once you use up all your late passes, no more taking tests after the due date. This is not negotiable! Please do not ask for an exception!

There will be an optional final exam offered to replace a test grade. This final must be taken during the final exam period at the end of the semester. The score on the final exam will replace the lower score for test 1 or test 3.

You will have online homework assignments that will be graded, and paper/pencil homework that will not.

The last day to withdraw with a grade of "W" is during the seventh week of the semester. Please see the GCC website for details.

Plagiarism and Cheating

Cheating is obtaining or intentionally giving unauthorized information to create an unfair advantage in an examination, assignment, or classroom situation. Plagiarism is the act of presenting and claimingwords, ideas, data, programming code or creations of others as one’s own. Plagiarism may be intentional – as in a false claim of authorship – or unintentional – as in a failure to document information sources using MLA (Modern Language Association), APA (American Psychological Association) Chicago or other style sheets or manuals adopted by instructors at the College. Presenting ideas in the exact or near exact wording as found in source material constitutes plagiarism, as does patching together paraphrased statements without in-text citation. The purchasing or sharing of papers or projects between students or the re-use of papers or projects submitted for more than one assignment or class also constitutes plagiarism.

Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated: a grade of zero will be given on the assignment or exam under these circumstances. In certain extreme cases, including multiple offenses, the student will receive a grade of F for the semester. In any instance where a grade is reduced due to improper conduct by the student, it will NOT be replaced by the score on the final exam.

Proctored Test # 2

How This Will Work

Your instructor is going to try something new this semester: a proctored test using Zoom. He will schedule two (2) two-hour sessions where you can sign up to take the test. (You only need to sign up for one session!) You will need a computer in a quiet room with all notes and books cleared away from your desk, and a mobile device with the Zoom app installed. You'll log into Zoom with your mobile device (phone, tablet, or second computer) and prop it in a location where your instructor can monitor you and your computer screen. A little creepy, but you can thank coronavirus for this one.

The tests will be scheduled for some time during week 8 ... probably Thursday Nov 12th early evening (7ish) and Sunday Nov 15th early afternoon (noon-ish...), but I'll canvas the group and try to determine times suitable to the largest number of individuals.

If you can't take the test during one of the two scheduled sessions, no problem! You may take the test using ProctorU at a cost of approximately $20. I can provide more information at a later date if anyone is interested.

Course Schedule

General Schedule

Course topics will be broken down into 3 evenly divided modules, each covering approximately 1/3 of the semester, or about 4 weeks each. Module 1 covers sections 1.1-1.3, 2.1-2.5, and 3.1. Module 2 covers sections 3.2-3.4, 4.1-4.2, and 5.1-5.4. Module 3 covers 6.1-6.3, 7.1-7.4, and 9.1-9.2.

Embedded in each module, there will be four (4) online homework assignments with due dates spaced evenly throughout. Each module will culminate with a test. All due dates will be posted inside blackboard at the beginning of the semester.

Other Important Links and Information

Accessibility Statement
If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability that may impact your course work or participation in this class, please contact the Assistant Dean of Student Services/Disabilities Coordinator, Success Coach, or Academic Advisor who will arrange an intake meeting. The Assistant Dean/Coordinator will determine with you what accommodations are necessary, appropriate and reasonable. All information and documentation is confidential.
GCC Grading Policy
Classroom Policies
GCC Library
Computer Labs
Internet Procedures
GCC Help Desk
Student Support
GCC Contact Info
Code of Conduct

Final Thoughts

Disclaimer

The instructor reserves the right to make any reasonable and necessary modifications to the statements above. This document is subject to change.